Belfast-born actor Kenneth Branagh has offered his backing to a theatre that is currently under redevelopment in the city.

The Lyric Theatre is nearing a crucial deadline as it continues its fundraising attempts.

In 2009, US-based Kresge Foundation pledged a donation of £500,000 to the rebuilding of the facility – on the condition that the theatre raised £800,000 by 30 June 2010.

With just four weeks to go, the theatre still has £150,000 left to raise, prompting Mr Branagh to appeal for people to give the Lyric "the support that it truly deserves".

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The Lyric's development director, Angela McCloskey, said she is "confident" that the target will be reached.

The original theatre opened in 1951 and moved to premises on Ridgeway Street about 20 years later.

However, ongoing problems with the building and dated facilities led to a decision to close it.

The new theatre is now under construction on the banks of the River Lagan, and due to open in Spring 2011.

The new building, which will be three times the size of the original facility, will have a 390-seat auditorium, a 150-seat studio theatre, a rehearsal room, extensive riverfront foyers and bar, backstage facilities and office accommodation.

Mr Branagh is not the first Irish Hollywood heavyweight to pledge his support for the project.

Ballymena-born actor Liam Neeson, who got his start as an actor at the Lyric, hosted a celebrity dinner in New York in January, raising $400,000 (£273,482) for the theatre.

The fundraising campaign began in 2003, with almost £17.5m being raised so far.

(NS/GK)